Spencer RAGBRAI art contest

May 4, 2017

Spencer RAGBRAI is now less than 80 days away and there is a multitude of things happening to get ready for the riders to come through. Housing applications are open, planning meetings are happening on a weekly basis, and hospitality is working on fun ways to welcome riders and more.

All of these moving parts mean that volunteers are needed! The spencerragbrai.com volunteer form is up and running. This gives you the option to offer your help with the committee best suited for you! Volunteers are part of what makes Spencer a special place and one of the main reasons that RAGBRAI has been successful here in the past.

Spencer RAGBRAI is not only asking for adults to get involved; kids play an important part in gearing up for RAGBRAI as well! Each year, RAGBRAI holds an art contest for elementary age children in the overnight towns with a statewide grand prize of $350.

“This is a chance for Spencer area youth to show off their art to the community and help us decorate the town for RAGBRAI,” Andrea Wiesenmeyer, publicity chair, said. “The winner of the Spencer contest is also going to compete against the other stops for the statewide title and show off their art to the state.”

There are some required elements. Spencer’s theme is “Kick Up Your Wheels!” and the artists should incorporate it into their entry in some fashion. Entries should be no bigger than 8.5-by-11 and can be a drawing, painting or collage. Entries must be marked with the child’s name, age, address, school and phone number.

Entries can be dropped off at the Spencer Chamber of Commerce, 1805 Highway Blvd. The deadline is May 19.

Spencer’s entries will be judged by a panel that includes local artists and art teachers. The public will also have the opportunity to cast a vote at the May 23 Town Hall meeting. Questions about the contest can be directed to the Spencer Chamber at 262-5680. Full rules can be found at spencerragbrai.com.

Keep up to date with Spencer RAGBRAI information. We encourage you to follow along with the process, and most importantly get involved! Please continue to watch spencerragbrai.com, the official Facebook page and especially this column for specific requests and updates! Spencer has a reputation of being one of the best RAGBRAI stops and we want to make sure that as this year’s riders leave town they can’t wait to come back and visit, even if it’s not on two wheels.